We did have fun, and it is real hard to wear him out, I gave up around 10:00pm yesterday, missed my Sat night shows. Anyhow, I tested out the spring I made, I think this will do well. The original belt looks good, but I may replace it anyhow. Have a few more parts on order. Once these come in I should be able to complete the deck. For those keeping track I tallied the cost (Including tools Impact wrench, saw horses, Gear puller) and I am at $525.96, Without the tools $476.37.

We did have fun, and it is real hard to wear him out, I gave up around 10:00pm yesterday, missed my Sat night shows. Anyhow, I tested out the spring I made, I think this will do well. The original belt looks good, but I may replace it anyhow. Have a few more parts on order. Once these come in I should be able to complete the deck. For those keeping track I tallied the cost (Including tools Impact wrench, saw horses, Gear puller) and I am at $525.96, Without the tools $476.37.

So far just the deck, Some paint and JB was used on the frame, but not much I'd say around 10 - 15 dollars on the frame so far. The Deck and Engine and tranny is the most expensive, the rest is cosmetics.

Well, I thought I was done buying parts for the deck. Everything has been replaced except for the idler bushing. I noticed that the idler pulley wasn't level and the belt was riding high. You can see this with the offset washer and the canted pulley. I took the idler bracket off to see if it was bent. Nope, so the only thing it could be is the bushing. I notched the bushing before I punched it out incase I need to re-use it, If I can't find a replacement I'll turn this 90* and re-install it. And the search begins again!

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I found some brass bearings that I could work with. I needed two as they were not long enough, then they fit loosely inside the idler bracket, I cut a piece of flashing and fit it inside the bracket then pushed the bushings in. I trimmed the excess flashing and bushing off with a dermel cutoff wheel. I had to change from a 5/16 bolt to a 3/8 as the center diameter is larger. All said and done the idler pully is leveled out and all seems to work fine now. I'll see about a new belt tomorrow so I can button the cover down.

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The top cover will help hold the idler in position. Or, do what I did and make a small bracket that goes from the bolt forward to one of the top cover holes. Sure makes it easier to clean. I wish my old Roper looked as good as yours, but HE has to work too hard.

The new brass bearings straightened the idler out, and the top cover will hold it well, thanks. The final parts came in today, (brake spring and three nylock nuts) I picked up a new 1/2 X 91" belt..... I guess I should have looked in the book, the old belt is a 92". Oh well... Back to T/S for an exchange.